Average Glucose

Like the familiar A1C test, the estimated average glucose, or eAG, is derived from glucose values taken over the course of three months. The eAG, however, is not reported as a percentage but in the same values seen via daily self-monitoring – mg/dl or mmol/l. The formula for determining average glucose is 28.7xA1C-46.7 = eAG.

The following chart translates A1C percentages into eAG:

If your A1C is this:

eAG (Estimated Average Glucose) is this:

%

mg/dl

mmol/l

10.0%

240

13.4

9.0%

212

11.8

8.0%

183

10.1

7.0%

154

8.6

6.0%

126

7

5.0%

97

5.4

The eAG term was introduced to help stem confusion after a worldwide standardization of A1C analyses was set. The values are 1.5 to 2 percentages points lower than the current standard. In addition, the values were reported in millimoles per mole (mmol/l), whereas A1C results were always reported as percentages.

An international study was then conducted to look at the relationship between HbA1c and average glucose. The A1C-Derived Average Glucose Study revealed a close relationship between HbA1C and AG (average glucose). This relationship is the eAG, which applies to patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This terminology focuses on a single set of values for both daily glucose checks and long-term control.

by
Brenda Bell
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the benefits that made it cost-effective for me to go with the real healthcare (HSA) plan rather than the phony (HRA) plan is that my company is now covering "preventative" medicines at $0 copay. The formulary for these, as stated by CVS/Caremark (my pharmacy benefits provider), covers all test strips, lancets, and control solutions. I dutifully get my doctor to write up prescriptions for all of my testing needs, submit...